Texans CB Robert Nelson making most of opportunity

As a former undrafted free agent out of Arizona State, current Texans cornerback Robert Nelson is used to overcoming long odds to keep his NFL dreams alive. Now entering his second season with Houston, Nelson might finally have the opportunity to make an impact in the NFL.

In 2014, Nelson drew praise while attending rookie minicamp with the Cleveland Browns, where he ended up making the 53-man roster. Nelson ended up playing in seven games for the Browns but was eventually waived and ended up signing with Houston’s practice squad.

Nelson played well with the Texans in the 2016 preseason, including a goal-line interception against New Orleans. After Week 5, Nelson was promoted to the active roster, where he spent the final 11 games with the Texans. In all, Nelson tallied eight tackles, one assist, defended two passes, recovered a fumble and caught an interception

In all, Nelson tallied eight tackles, one assist, defended two passes, recovered a fumble and caught an interception in a reserve role.

After losing top cornerback A.J. Bouye to Jacksonville, there’s a real chance that Nelson can earn a much larger role for the Texans during the 2017 preseason, and although he’s well aware of the opportunity, Nelson isn’t changing his determination.

“I haven’t made the team yet, so I’m just focused on being the best and helping the team and making this team,” said Nelson. “That’s my focus; helping my team and making the team as well.”

Now entering his fourth season, Nelson, 27, understands that he must continue to work hard, improve and leave it all on the field. “I’m an undrafted guy so there’s nothing guaranteed for me. I just got to go out here and give it everything I got every day.”

“I’m an undrafted guy so there’s nothing guaranteed for me. I just got to go out here and give it everything I got every day.”

Undoubtedly, getting the chance to practice daily against wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins gives Nelson and the rest of Houston’s defensive backs the opportunity to learn from one of the game’s best players.

“I’m going against a Pro Bowler every day. What else could you ask for? He’s one of the best receivers in the league, so he’s making me better and I’m learning from him,” said Nelson.

And Hopkins knows that his role as a team leader is also to help his teammates by communicating and offering advice. When asked about playing against Nuk Hopkins, Nelson opined “He’s one of the best receivers in the league, so he’s making me better and I’m learning from him.”

With veterans Johnathan Joseph and Kevin Joseph expected to start on the outside, and Kareem Jackson returning as the slot corner, Nelson will spend time at OTAs and training camp at all three spots, hoping to earn a role as the team’s No. 4 cornerback.

Recognizing that opportunity, Nelson recently switched from No. 26 that he wore with the Texans last season, to No. 21, which was Bouye’s number in 2016.

But Nelson wasn’t trying to make a statement by claiming the number of an old teammate who was wildly considered one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL last year. Instead, he’s aiming a little higher.

“Deion Sanders has always been my favorite player, so that’s somebody I’ve admired since I was four years old. That’s why I changed my number,” said Nelson.

Whatever his number is, if Robert Nelson can bring just a little “Prime Time” to the Texans secondary, he’ll finally get his chance to make his NFL dream come true.

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